Dissin: The parish of Sainte Th©r¨se de l’Enfant J©sus in Dissin once again vibrated this Friday, August 15, 2025, to the rhythm of the feast of the Assumption, which brought together more than 5,000 faithful from Burkina Faso and neighboring countries, in the presence of several political, administrative, and religious authorities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event was held under the theme of social cohesion and hope for a better future. The mass commenced with a minute of silence honoring the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) and the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) who lost their lives in service to the nation.
In his homily, Father Th©otime Marie Kpi¨l¨ Somda, vicar and permanent priest of the parish, emphasized “Mary’s fight against the dragon symbolizes the ongoing struggle of Christians against evil,” connecting it to the current efforts of the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA) against terrorism. He encouraged the faithful, particularly women, to emulate the Virgin Mary: “When a woman is wise, her family lives in peace and joy.”
Prayers were offered for various groups including priests, nuns, catechists, the sick, the deceased, and for peace in Burkina Faso. The event featured a hymn of thanksgiving.
The celebration started early with a “little mass” at 7:30 a.m., followed by a larger service at 9:30 a.m., led by eight priests. The “Children of Mary” group and the women of the Faa-i-touara association participated in the procession with dance and traditional music.
Inside the church, all 4,500 seats were occupied quickly, leaving many latecomers to stand outside under trees or near the church walls.
Prominent attendees included the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Roland A. Somda, who hails from the area, and other high-ranking officials like the President of the Constitutional Council, the Governor of the Dj´r´ region, and a strong delegation from Ghana. Minister Somda urged the community to bolster social cohesion, engage in national initiatives on health, education, and agriculture, and persist with reforestation efforts.
The day before the main event, a procession was held by the faithful, predominantly women, from the tomb of Pierre Koula to the church, followed by the recitation of the rosary and hymns dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The mass concluded around 1 p.m., transitioning into a vibrant atmosphere with a market street and musical performances in the church courtyard. Enthusiasts of the “August 15 in Dissin” tradition continued the festivities at various cultural venues including the Dagara Culture Festival and the Toyaga rock painting site.
The celebration of the Assumption in Dissin, undisturbed since the church’s desecration in 2018, remains a significant event attended by many faithful and visitors.